September 3, 2016 - - The Lady Commodores of Lorain County Community College traveled to Owens Community College for an early season tournament where they faced off against four Division II teams. After dropping their first match against Kalamazoo Valley, the Commodores dominated Henry Ford 3-1, fell to conference rival Cincinnati State 3-2 and ended the weekend beating Kellogg 3-1.
With recent success, the Lady Commodores know just how important it is to play at a high level in the regular season so that they're better prepared for a late run in November. This weekend's tournament did just that as LCCC took on four Division II teams at the Owens CC Tournament. The Commodores split the weekend and see their season record go to 4-3.
In their first match against Kalamazoo Valley (5-0), LCCC took control in most categories but struggled to get over the height of the Cougars. LCCC had 45 kills compared to Kalamazoo's 38, 42 aces to their 32, but the Commodores were dominated on the blocking side. "Serve/Receive was the many issues we had against Kalamazoo. We didn't communicate all match and that was the difference." said LCCC Coach Ted Whitsel.
After dropping the first set 25-22, LCCC won the next two 25-21, and 25-21 before losing the fourth set 26-24. In the final set, the Lady Commodores ran out of gas and saw their chances of winning go out the window. LCCC loss 15-3 and dropped match one to the Cougars of Kalamazoo Valley. Leading the way for LCCC was Maryssa Kellick with 12 kills, and Shannon Reaser with 36 assist.
In match two, LCCC came out on top as they beat Henry Ford 25-14, 17-25, 26-16, and 25-10. Continuing her strong play, Kellick lead her team with 14 kills, and 5 blocks. Along with Kellick, Kara Keim chipped in 10 kills of her own. The Commodores were able to keep Henry Ford off balance as the experience and depth of LCCC was too much for the Hawks who recently came off a three year absence from the sport. After coming out sluggish in the second set, the Commodores dominated the remaining sets to win match 2.
The third match seemed to have more of a spark to it as the Commodores and the Surge of Cincinnati State knew this conference match held more weight to it. Coming out the gates fast, the Commodores applied tons of pressure to the net as the team had 49 kills. With 14 kills apiece, Kelli Warren and Kara Keim tried to help lead their team to a big conference win early in the year. After LCCC went up 1-0, the Surge took the next two sets before LCCC took set four. In a final set, the Commodores once again fell short in the fifth game as they fell 15-11.
Not wanting to go home under .500 on the weekend, LCCC played big against Kellogg as they won 25-22, 26-28, 25-16, and 25-14. Once again it was the big play at the net that did it for LCCC as they found multiple ways to frustrate the Bruins.
Box Score vs Kalamazoo Valley
Box Score vs Henry Ford
Box Score vs Cincinnati State
Box Score vs Kellogg
